I generally prefer to manually focus. And the FE 55 does look like it's going to be a great lens.

But I'm wondering if I should still skip the FE 55, and abandon the option to use autofocus -- and instead go for a physically focused lens, rather than always have to use focus-by-wire.

Anybody wrestling with a similar decision?

Just a couple of things to consider:

The FE55 is very, very good, but there are many very good FF 50/1.8 lenses out there.

AF is very nice, but you may use the kit lens when you need AF.

Alternative choices are:

SLR lenses: you can get 50/1.8, 50/1.7, 50/1.4, 50/1.2, depending on your likes

RF lenses: 50mm is NOT a magenta shifting focal length (but do check). These are wonderful lenses, but they can get as pricey as the FE55.

Contax-G 45/2 on AF adapter. It auto-focuses, albeit slower, and the manual focus adjust override on the adapter is likely the easiest way to focus any of the lenses.

Why rush now? I would wait until the early spring and then review users comments. The FE55 impresses, especially on the A7r, but I expect many 50mm lenses to perform on these A7/r cameras just the same.

I also expect more lenses to be offered for the FE mount. Zeiss will announce a FE specific MF line (like the ZM mount), and I expect that more FE primes will follow.

Just ipick up any 'ol 50/1.8 lens on an adapter for little money to bridge the time to make a decision...